Rep. Waxman Statement on the HHS Finalization of HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules

Today, Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Henry A. Waxman issued the following statement on final rules released by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to protect patient privacy and secure health information:

“The final privacy rule issued by HHS yesterday was a long time in coming, but it was worth the wait. This final rule puts people more in control of their personal health information. Given the ever changing world of technology and health care, I am pleased that Secretary Sebelius has taken this pro-patient and pro-privacy stance.

“Patients must be notified when their private health information is breached. This rule includes a clear objective standard for notifying patients when their personal health information has been compromised.

“Importantly, the law now also requires that the protections of the Health Information Technology Act not only apply to your doctor or insurer, but also anyone they contract with.”